Community Action-Ventura County

Today, I had an extremely insightful experience at Community Action Ventura County in Oxnard. My friend, Dheekshi Arvind, who works at this amazing place, told me that they were in desperate need for menstrual products, and I was really happy that our organization was able to make a small contribution. This morning, she and I went together and I learned a lot today. This homeless service center is managed by Ninna Castellano, who had been there for about six years. The work she does is absolutely amazing and the center is maintained so well. She had told my friend to show me around and to see the people and the services offered at this center. 

When I went back, I met with my friend's coworker who was really excited to see our big box of products that we had brought in. She opened it right away and added it on to the minimal collection of products they had. I saw all kinds of people there, who really have been through some tough times, but the services at Community Action were absolutely amazing and well maintained. There were nice and neat bathrooms and showers as well as a laundry room. They provide many products such as soaps and shampoos and other general care items.

Sadly, homeless service centers like these go unnoticed and there is more demand for homeless housing. Service centers like these are equally as important as homeless housing, since they provide support that gives people a bit of relief. I have visited a couple places like these and they look for community support for donations. As a community, I think it is extremely important for us to help out all homeless services, whether it be housing or a homeless center, and provide them with the best of the best, since they have gone through so much hardship in their lives. When you think about donating to the community, please also consider homeless service centers, Giving them a bottle of shampoo, a can or package of food, a box of pads or tampons, or even money to fund these centers, can be extremely helpful.  

This was yet again an eye opening experience for me, making me more and more thankful for what I have and I really want to thank the neighborhood of Rancho Conejo for donating and contributing to this cause. Your help made a small impact on our county and I hope we can grow our organization and expand our horizon in the coming months.